powers



F. T, POWERS.

COOLER FOR PHOTOMECHANICAL PRINTING PLATE& APPLICATION F|LED AUG.TI, 1919.

1,373,909. Patented Apr. 5, 1921 2 SHEETS-SHEET lu, L/ {Mm/FA 1 O BY w 6 4 ATTORNEY F. T. POWERS.

COOLER FOR PHOTQMECHANICAL PRINTING PLATES.

I APPLICATION FILED AUG.'II| 1919- 1,373,19O9, PawnwdApr. 5, 1921:.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

w en m a it! FRANK T. IEOWERS, 0T3 NEW YORK, N. Y.

COOLER FOE PHOTOMECHANIGAL FEINTIIFIG-PLATES.

Application filed August 11, 1919.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that l FRANK T. Pownns, a citizen of the United i itates, residing at New York, N. Y., have made certain new and use fnl' Improvements in Coolers for Photomechanical Printing-Plates, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to a machine for use in making; photo-mechanical printing plates, and more especially to a machine for use in cooling photomechanical plates during the process of making.

Qbjects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part hereinafter, and in part will be obvious herefrom, or may be learned through practice with the invention.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combination and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and together with the description serve to on plain the principles thereof.

0f the drawings Figure 1 is a vertical section through a machine constructed in accordance with the invention, nd showing the cooling fluid circulating 0r umping device in the early part of the pumping or feeding; stroke, and the valves in corresponding position,

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary elevation, cor responding to Fig. l, and showing the circulating or pumping device in the early part of the clown-stroke, and the valves in corresponding position;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary top plan, corresponding to Figs. 1. and 2, and showing the various parts broken away and uncovered;

Fig. lis a fragmentary, sectional detail on an enlarged scale, of the one way valve shown near the bottom of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional elevation of a somewhat different form of the machine; and

Fig. 6 is a top plan, corresponding to Fig. 5 and showing the various parts broken away and uncovered.

Referring to the embodiment of the in vention, shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, means are provided Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 5, 1921.

Serial No. 316,682.

for rapidly and effectively cooling the plate, while protecting the printing surface thereof from damage or defacement from moisture contacting therewith and also from removal of such moisture and leaving the hands of the workman free to handle the plate, and also providing for the control and regulation of the cooling fluid by the workman; all this being effected by means of a very simple, compact and inexpensive machine.

The plate support, in accordance with certain features of the invention, is of fluidpervious material, and as embodied, the cooling action and contact with the plate is effected by passage of the cooling fluid through the pervious support. It is very important that the flow of cooling fluid be under the control of the operative, and as embodied this is effected through an operat-or controlled or operated pump.

in accordance with the features of the invention, a reservoir is provided for the overflow of cooling fluid from the plate support, and the fluid is thus permitted to cool, and may be used over and over in cycle through the device, making the mechanism sclf-con-- tained and independent of connection with a hydrant or other source of water supply. As embodied, the plate cooling support is adapted to overflow at its top, and is also constantly immersed in or impregnated with the cooling fluid. This is effected, as em-' bodied, by a fluid chamber designed to maintain these conditions, and receiving fluid in turn from the reservoir.

It will be understood that certain of these features may be employed at times and in cases without the others, and that there are other features and advantages than the fore going. Certain of these are pointed out hereinafter and others thereof will be obvious herefrom or may be learned by practies with the invention.

Referring now more particularly to the illustrative construction, the coolingfluid is controlled and handled in a manner whereby it is susceptible to very exact control and regulation by the workman. As embodied, a reservoir 1, preferably of rectangular shape, is supported upon four legs 2, of such height as to bring the plate holder to proper height before the workman.

In the present preferred embodiment, the plate support is located within and above the reservoir 1, and comprises a pan 3, which is relatively shallow and likewise preferably of rectangular form, conforming generally to the usual shape of half-tone or other photo-mechanical plates.

Withinthe pan 3 is provided a support for the plate back, adapted to permit the cooling fluid to circulate freely along the back of the plate. As embodied, the pan 3 is filled with a layer 4: of loose filamented or fibrous material, such as hair, excelsior, soft felt, or other suitable material. Over the top of the material f is stretched a layer 5 of fluid-pervious material, of a suitable kind, such as a layer or sheet of burlap. The supporting material or elements 41 and 5 are preferably of somewhat convex or spherical shape or form on their upper surface, principally for the uses and purposes set out in connection with the process herein described and claimed.

Suitable circulating a d controlling means for the cooling fluid are provided, and as stated, these are preferably under the control of, and operated by, the workman. is embodied in Figs. 1 and 2, a chamber 6 is formed beneath the pan 3, the bottom of the pan being provided with apertures 7, through which the circulating fluid is forced. In the bottom of the chamher 6 is a port 8, provided with a valve 9, which valve cooperates with a guiding stem 10, projecting downwardly from the bottom of the pan The valve 9 is shown as a one-way lift valve, operated by the cooling fluid.

Beneath the chamber 6 is a chamber 11 equipped with the fluid circulating means. As embodied, a yielding diaphragm 12 is secured fluid tight horizontally across, and intermediately of the height of, the interior of the chamber 11. As shown, the ranges 13 and 1 1- of the parts of the reservoir 11 clamp the edges of the diaphragm 12 against the bottom 15 of the reservoir 1. The chamber or reservoir 11 may be regarded, as far as the essential operation is concerned as having the diaphragm 12, for its bottom and the bottom plate 27 as a guide for the rod 26.

To admit the returning cooling fluid to the reservoir 11, there is provided a oneway valve 16 (Figs. 1. 2 and l). embodied, the wall 17 of the reservoir 11 has preferably formed therein a plurality of apertures 18 and 19, through which the cooling fluid flows. On the inner side of the wall 17 is a flexible leaf valve 20, which may be of leather, fiber, or other suitable material. The valve 20 is held in position by suitable means, such as a bolt 21., and a washer 22 between the valve and the bolt head 23. lVhen the fluid is flowing or pressing in the direction of the arrows in Fi 4, the valve 20 is moved to the dotted line position shown in that figure, and when the cooling fluid is flowing or pressing in the opposite direction, or is at rest. the valve 20 will be in the closed or full line position shown in Fig. l.

The operator controlled means for circulating the cooling fluid comprises a pedal lever 24, pivoted itself at 25, and having pivotally connected thereto a rod 26. The rod 26 passes through an opening in the bottom plate 27 of the reservoir 11, and provided with a contact head 28. which head engages with and, moves the dia phragm 12. The head 28 is preferably circular or discoidal in form, with its upper surface, which is in contact with diaphragm 12, preferably of somewhat convex or spherical conformation.

The manner of operation of the foregoing mechanism is substantially as follows:

When the mechanism is at rest. or just before the beginning of the stroke of the foot lever 24, valve 9 is seated on port 8. as shown in Fig. 2. hen foot lever 21- Y actuated, head 28 is moved in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 1, lifting diaphragm 12, and forcing the cooling fluid from the reservoir 11, thereby lifting valve 5). as

shown in Fig. 1, and closing valve 20, as shown in Fig. 4. The cooling fluid is forced upwardly through the aperture 7, and news outwardly through fabric 5, and thus llows along in cooling contact with all parts of the back of the plate which is resting upon the supporting fabric The cooling fluid overflows the ct gcs of the pan 3. and flows back into the reservoir 1.

When foot lever 24 is released, rod 2c and head 28 move in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 2, valve 9 moves downwardly. and closes port 8, valve 20 is moved to the dotted line position of Fig. 4, and the cooling fluid flows into the reservoir 11. as the diaphragm 1.2 moves downwardly, following the head 28. It will be seen t..at the flow and action of the cooling fluid is susceptible to exact control by every movement of the foot of the w rlrman on lever 24-,

while the workmans hands are free to han dle the printing plate.

Referring now in detail to Fig. 5. a roservoir 30 is provided, and a pan 31 is located within and above the reservoir. These are both preferably of rectangular form, generally similar to the same parts in Figs. 1 and 2, and the reservoir is supported upon suitable legs 32. The pan Ill has therewithin a partition 33, horizontally disposed, and preferably of somewhat c011- vex or spherical shape, and located substantially midway of the height of the pan 31. There is thus formed a chamber 34- between the bottom 35 of the pan 31 and the partil. l I) tion 33. The partition 33 has perforations 33 formed therein, preferably in the central part thereof, but they may be otherwise disposed as found advantageous.

Above the partition 33 is the supporting or seating material for the plate to be cooled, which material is pervious to the cooling fluid. As embodied, this comprises a layer 37 of filamented or fibrous material, which may be similar to the layer l, with a layer of pervious fabric 38 thereover, which may be the same as the layer 5. This forms the seat for the back of the plate to be cooled.

In this form of the fluid circulating and controlling mechanism, a pipe 39 communicates with the lower part of the reservoir 30, and is preferably protected at its intake end by a guard or strainer 4L0. The pipe 39 has a oneway or check valve 41, and the pipe communicates with a diaphragm pump 42. Leading away from pump 42 is a pipe )rovided with a one-way or check valve 44;. Pipe t3 discharges at 4E5 into the chamber 34. The pump 4L2 has a water chamber 46, with a diaphragm l? horizontally disposed therein, with its edges held water tight between the plates as and 57 of the chamber at The water comes up on the under side of the diaphragm 47 through the passage l9. Clamping the diaphragm 4.7 011 opposite sides are plates 50 and 51, which are fast upon rod 52. Rod 52 is pivoted to foot lever 53, the foot lever being pivoted at 5 to a supporting bracket 55. The lever 53 is preferably held in the up position by spring 56.

The manner of operation of the foregoingmechanism is substantially as follows The foot lever 53 is depressed, diaphragm i7 is pressed downwardly, valve 41 closes, and valve l4; opens, and the cooling fluid is forced into chamber 3%, flows through orifices 36 and, flowing out through the layer 38, cools the entire back of the plate supported upon the layer 38. The water then overflows into the reservoir 30. hen lever ascends or moves upwardly, diaphragm l? likewise moves upwardly, valve a l closes, and valve 41 opens, and the cooling fluid flows through pipe 39 from the reservoir 30 to the under side of the diaphragm 4C7, ready for the next stroke of the lever 53.

So far as concerns certain features of the invention, the pump and also the reservoir can be dispensed with and a hydrant connection with a faucet or valve could be employed. Also with the reservoir or unit system of the kind described, the tray could be made submergible or depressible to cause the water to overflow the support and cool the plate.

Objects and advantages of my invention are in part that the plate is cooled regularly and systematically, thereby avoiding buckling or curving of the plate; and, more particularly, to cool the plate from the center thereof gradually outwardly to avoid such buckling and curving; and avoiding irregularities in the printing surface of the plate due to irregular expansions and contractions in the plate during the cooling thereof; to provide for a gradual and con trolled low ring of the temperature of the plate, and for stopping the controlled cooling operation at the proper or required temperature for the next succeeding operation on the plate, and more particularly to stop the cooling of the plate at the proper or re quired temperature for the powdering or the application of the acid resist to the printing surface of the plate; to avoid, through control of the cooling temperature of the plate, severe and violent changes in the temperature of the plate, with resulting damage to and deterioration of the plate.

in practising the process, in connection with the mechanism as desdribed, the plate is placed by the operative upon the support 5 with only one point or portion of the plate primarily in contact with the support. This is preferably approximately or substantially the center of the plate. The operative by the foot causesa regulated flow of the cooling liquid or medium through the support. This causes a gradual coolin of the plate outwardly from the center thereof toward all the exterior edges or portions. By the foot pedal or other fluid controlling means, the flow of the fluid may be exactly controlled, and a relatively gentle, gradual, uniform and exactly regulated cooling of the plate outwardly from the center is edected. The plates are llat in their final form, but are more or less curved or distorted during heating, as in the enameling process, when this process is employed. It is usual practice to press the plates out flat after cooling, or the plates may be rolled to a curve for cylinder printing if desired. By having the member 5 with the curved surface, the cooling action may be localized, and may be applied very gradually, either to small areas or to the entire plate by movement thereof in the hand of the operative, whether the plate be flat or curved or more or less distorted by incidental and more or less local curvatures resulting from the heating of the plate.

By the gradual and controlled cooling of the plate, the cooling may readily be arrested at the temperature for the next succeeding step in the preparation of the plate. Thus violent changes, and extreme range of changes in the temperature of the plate are avoided, and the plate-saved from irregularities of the surface thereby produced, and there is effected a saving in time and in the handling of the plate. The usual succeed;

&

ing step is powdering or the application of the acid resist to the surface of the plate, preparatory to etching it. The cooling of the plate is arrested atsuch temperature that the acid resist will melt when applied to the surface of the plate.

As Will be clear from the foregoing description, the flow of water or other cooling fluid may be exactly controlled, and at the proper time or temperature the plate is removed by the operative.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the details of construction herein shown, but changes may be made therefrom within the scope of the accompanying claims without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What I claim is 1- 1. A cooler for photo-mechanical printing plates, including in combination a conveXly spheroidal, flnid-pervious member over which the manually held plate may be freely moved, and means for supplying cooling fluid thereto.

2. A cooler. for photo-mechanical printing plates, including in combination a yielding, fiuid-pervious plate supporting member, and means for supplying cooling fluid through the supporting member to the plate.

3. A cooler for photo-mechanical printing plates including in combination a filamentous, fiuid-pervious member upon which the plate may be laid, and means for supplying cooling fluid thereto.

4. A cooler for photo-mechanical printing plates for cooling a plate held by a workman, including in combination a fibrous, convex, fluid-pervious member over which the manually held plate may be freely moved, and means for supplying cooling fluid thereto.

5. A cooler for photo-mechanical printing plates including in combination a plate-cooling member comprising a layer of filamentous material and an external fluid-pervious cover therefor, and means for supplying cooling fluid thereto.

(3. A cooler for photo-mechanical printing plates including in combination a plate-cooling de ice comprising a foraininatcd support, a layer of i'luid-pervious material on the support, and means for supplying cool ing fluid through the support to the fluidpervious material.

7. A cooler for photo-mechanical printing plates including in combination a. platecooling device comprising a. foraminated support, a layer of filamentous material on the support, a fluid-pervious cover for said filamentous layer, and means for supplying cooling fluid through the support to the fluid-pcrvious material.

8. A cooler for photo-mechanicul printing plates including in combination a reservoir for cooling fluid, a fluid pervious plale-cooling member, and means for supplying coolfluid from the reservoir to the platecooling member and returning the fluid to the reservoir.

9. A cooler for photo-inechanical printing plates including in combination a plate cooling device comprising a foraminatcd support, a cooling fluid reservoir, and a member movable to exert pressure on the cooling fluid and force it through the foraminous support to cool the plate.

10. Sr cooler for photo-mechanical printing plates including in combination a reservoir for cooling iluid, a foraminatcd support somewhat above the reservoir, a cooling device comprising a filamentous, iluid-pervious layer on the support, and means controlled by the workman for forcing the cooling fluid irom the reservoir through the support to the cooling device, the used cooling fluid overflowing into the reservoir.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

FRANK T. PO'WERS iii till 

